Punjab exempts sports activities, IT firms from 8pm closure

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th May, 2026) The Punjab government has partially relaxed its austerity-related restrictions, exempting sports facilities, IT companies and call centres from the mandatory 8:00 p.m closure timings, according to an official notification issued on Wednesday.

The notification, issued by the Chief Secretary Punjab stated that sports-related activities, including gyms, would no longer be bound by the prescribed early closure hours.

It said IT firms and call centres, particularly those engaged with international clients, had also been granted exemption in view of their operational requirements across global time zones.

The decision follows an earlier directive issued on April 6, 2026, which had enforced early business closures as part of broader austerity measures.

Officials said the decision aimed to facilitate healthy recreational activities while supporting key economic sectors and ensuring continuity of business operations.